These experienced and highly respected nature writers have produced an outstanding field guide to the plants that grow above the tree line, at the higher elevations of the Rockies and Cascades, and other ranges of the Western CordilleraNorth American. Spectacular wildflower meadows are among the most beautiful ecosystems you will find in alpine habitats. This guide provides fascinating, comprehensive information on almost 1,200 species of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, rushes, sedges and ferns, including: descriptions of the leaves, flowers, fruit, bark, and sizes; common and scientific names, edibility, and Native and traditional uses, climate and ecology of the region habitat, ecology and similar species, diagnostic keys and charts for easy identification, and essays packed with engaging information. Includes more than 2,000 illustrations: color photos, line drawings and range maps. Glossary, index of scientific and common names, bibliography.